What should the foot's position be during a lateral ankle X-ray?

The correct position for the foot during a lateral ankle X-ray is dorsiflexed to 90°. This position allows for optimal visualization of the ankle joint and the surrounding structures. Dorsiflexion helps to separate the bones of the ankle, reducing any overlap and enhancing the clarity of important landmarks such as the fibula and talus. This alignment ensures that the X-ray captures the true anatomy and any potential pathological conditions that may be present.

In this position, the foot is raised towards the shin, providing a more accurate representation of the lateral aspect of the ankle. This is critical for diagnosing fractures, joint space narrowing, and other anomalies.

Other foot positions, such as plantar flexed, neutral, or inversion, would not provide the same advantages for visualization and may lead to diagnostic challenges. Therefore, having the foot in a dorsiflexed position is essential for obtaining high-quality lateral ankle X-rays.